But with a little light Internet reading I learned coyotes have expanded, and are adapting everywhere -- from suburban New England, to Los Angeles, CA, and even in Florida.

﻿Coyotes in Florida probably first appeared around 1925, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife, and are now in almost, if not all Florida counties. They can live in any habitat, and while they normally eat small animals, from time to time -- they'll pick off a domesticated animal or two. As people continue to move into wildlife animals, they coming into closer contact with wild creatures. Florida may not have seen as many attacks as other parts of the country, but we should be vigilant, not only of coyotes, but of other wild animals that might find a small dog a little too tempting (alligators and black bears, anyone?)

Coyotes are elusive creatures -- difficult to trap. They tend to hunt between dusk and dawn, when temperatures are cooler, though they can be active during the day if the weather is right. It also depends on whether they have plenty of food.

While it used to be that coyotes would hunt alone, reports from recent attacks show coyotes will from time to time hunt in small groups.

And in Florida, aside from a few native species, there is not a lot out there that can kill a coyote. So we need to be smart. Know your surroundings. Don't let your pets out unsupervised. If you live in wooded areas, make sure you have something that will scare them. Coyotes are generally timid around humans. If necessary, coyotes can also be hunted without a license.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has a whole section on coyotes and for living with wildlife. If you have further questions they are a group agency to contact.

﻿I'm obsessed with making sure Lulu is well-protected when she's outside, and she's in my sights at all times.